Heart Health Month: Why Your Health Needs Attention Now

February is Heart Health Month—and here in the Atlanta area, the stakes are especially high. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. Women, particularly African American and Hispanic women in metro Atlanta, face a heavier burden of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. 

HEALing Community Health is committed to changing that story. 

Heart Disease is Still the #1 Killer

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming about 702,000 lives in 2021, or one in every five deaths, and striking every 40 seconds. In Georgia, part of the CDC-designated “Stroke Belt” and “Diabetes Belt,” rates exceed national averages, fueled by limited access to fresh foods, chronic stress, and barriers to preventive care in many Atlanta neighborhoods. These factors contribute to rampant hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes—the primary drivers of cardiovascular disease.  

It Kills More Women

For women, the threat is often silent and misunderstood. Heart disease kills more women than men, yet only half recognize it as their top risk. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, chest pressure, jaw or back pain, nausea, or cold sweats are often dismissed as stress. These symptoms may come and go, and women often delay seeking care. However, early attention can save a life. 

Black women face even steeper odds: nearly 60% have some form of heart disease, develop hypertension earlier and more severely than white women, and are further compounded by diabetes, obesity, racism-related stress, food deserts, and healthcare mistrust. Latina and Native American women also show elevated risks.  

But There IS Good News

The good news is that heart disease is more treatable than ever, thanks to advances over the past 40-50 years: 

• Medications effectively manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and rhythms. 
• Procedures like angioplasty, stents, and bypass surgery restore blood flow. 
• Imaging tools such as EKGs, echocardiograms, and CT scans enable early detection. 
• Prevention strategies emphasize lifestyle, mental health, and social factors. 

HEAL Your Heart

HEALing Community Health provides tailored heart health support in metro Atlanta: 

• Heart health checkups (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI 
• Personalized risk assessments considering family history. 
• Nutrition/lifestyle coaching that’s culturally relevant. 
• Chronic disease management and cardiologist referrals. 

Your heart works tirelessly for you—return the favor. Book your checkup now with HEALing Community Health.